Weather in Gambell

Are you planning a trip or simply want to stay informed about meteorological conditions? Here you will find up-to-date information on the weather in the city of Gambell, including detailed forecasts and useful charts.

The climate in Gambell is distinguished by a harsh northern character, typical of Arctic coastal zones. Located within the United States, this remote corner is influenced by cold seas, creating cool weather practically all year round. Tourists should not expect heat: even at the height of the calendar summer, the air remains fresh and brisk, resembling late autumn in temperate latitudes.

Seasonal temperature fluctuations are noticeable here, but their range is quite specific. Winters are long and frosty, with average values around -13°C, while freezing temperatures persist from November to May. Summer is very short and cool: during the warmest months, July and August, the thermometer rarely rises above +9°C. This time of year is best suited for a visit if you wish to avoid extreme cold.

A characteristic feature of the local weather is the high frequency of precipitation despite its low volume. Although heavy downpours or snowstorms are not frequent, the number of "damp" days is high throughout the year, peaking during the autumn-winter period. The sky is often overcast, while fog and drizzle are common occurrences, making waterproof and windproof clothing the most essential element of a traveller's wardrobe.

The climate in the city of Gambell is severe and typical for Arctic latitudes, so travellers should prepare for cold weather in any season. The coldest month is traditionally January, with an average temperature of about -13.3°C and night-time lows reaching -15°C. The winter period here is prolonged: sustained freezing temperatures are observed from November to May, turning the region into a realm of ice and snow for many months.

Summer in this part of the USA is very cool and completely unlike a classic warm season. Even in the "hottest" month, August, the average air temperature is only 8.1°C, and the daytime maximum rarely exceeds +9°C. This time of year is more reminiscent of deep autumn in temperate latitudes: it is fresh, cool, and often damp, so warm windproof clothing will be necessary even in July.

The temperature amplitude between day and night in Gambell is small, especially in the summer period when the difference is only 1–2 degrees. Transitional seasons are weakly expressed: May still remains frosty with average values around -0.9°C, and by October, the air cools rapidly to +2.3°C, heralding the imminent arrival of winter.

Precipitation in Gambell has a distinct seasonal character driven by the harsh northern climate. Since freezing temperatures prevail for most of the year (from October to May), a significant portion of precipitation falls as snow. Winter months here are long, and travellers should be prepared for frequent snowfalls, especially during periods when the temperature drops to -13°C and below.

Despite the total volume of precipitation in millimetres appearing insignificant (stably 1–2 mm per month), the frequency of inclement days is quite high. The "wettest" and gloomiest time of the year is late autumn and early winter. The peak occurs in December, when an average of 18 days with precipitation is recorded, as well as in October and November (16 days each). During this time, the sky is often covered with clouds.

A relatively dry season arrives in spring and early summer. May and June are considered the most favourable months in terms of clear weather: the number of days with precipitation drops to a minimum — about 7 days. With the arrival of warmth in July and August, when the air warms up to +8°C, snow gives way to rain and drizzle. During this period, the number of rainy days rises again to 11–13 per month.

When packing for Gambell, prepare for the severe conditions of St. Lawrence Island, where the weather dictates the rules. The foundation of your wardrobe in any season is the principle of layering. In winter and spring, when temperatures drop below -15°C, high-quality thermal underwear, wool sweaters, and a reliable down parka with a hood are vital necessities. Be sure to take a warm hat, scarf, and windproof mittens to protect yourself from the piercing wind.

Even in summer, it never gets hot here: in July and August, the air warms up on average to only +8°C. Therefore, it is better to leave light T-shirts at home, replacing them with fleece tops and jackets made of membrane fabric that protect against wind and moisture. Given the large number of days with precipitation (especially in autumn and winter), your footwear must be warm and waterproof. An ideal choice would be durable trekking boots with thick soles for walking on rocky terrain.

Do not forget accessories: sunglasses are mandatory to protect your eyes from the blinding light reflected off snow and ice. Due to constant winds, facial skin and lips can quickly become chapped, so bring a rich nourishing cream and lip balm. It is also useful to carry a small backpack with a rain cover to keep your spare items dry during long walks.